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Australia Port Phillip Half Ounce

2003 Proof Two Dollar reverse 2003 Proof Two Dollar obverse

2003 Proof Two Dollar

Mintage:7,489
Reverse Designer:Wojciech Pietranik Obverse Designer:Ian Rank-Broadley Size:32mm Weight:18.22g Edge:Interrupted Composition:92.5% Silver
7.5% Copper

Values

Sales History

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This two Dollar Silver proof coin is one piece from a set of four that makes up the 2003 Masterpieces in Silver series. The set is called the The Port Phillip Patterns. This piece has a denomination of two Dollars and a reproduction 1/2 ounce coin whilst those accompanying the coin to complete the set include a one Dollar coin, a five dollar coin and a ten Dollar coin. The complete set was launched in July 2003 by the Royal Australian Mint and was instantly a popular purchase amongst collectors. There was a limited mintage of just 10,000 and due to the fascinating story of the Port Phillip Patterns and the historical importance to Australia's numismatic history, it is a highly sought after series.

Each of the coins were struck into a sterling silver planchet . The reverse of the coin was designed by Wojciech Pietranik and along with the additional three coins of the series features the Port Phillips Kangaroo Pattern. This coin features the original pattern in the centre with enough room surrounding it for the legend TWO DOLLARS and some cross hatching either side. The central Kangaroo Pattern features a Kangaroo with the legend 1853 in a central circle. Surrounding this is large and prominent letters is the legend PORT PHILLIP AUSTRALIA. The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the top, small and central and accompanied by the legend "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2003", all of which surrounds the reproduction of the reverse from the Port Phillips pattern. This was the denomination 1/2 written inside a circle with an outer ring and the legend "PURE AUSTRALIAN GOLD HALF OUNCE".

The entire series was issued with a long presentation case in which the coins were displayed largest to smallest from left to right. Included in the set was a booklet that tells the story of the Port Phillip Patterns. The outer packaging was stylishly designed with an image of Port Phillip and the title Master Pieces in Silver 2003 Port Phillip Patterns.

The story of the Port Phillips Patterns also known as the Kangaroo Office Patterns is an interesting and somewhat mysterious one. It was Australia's first attempt at coin production and is therefore of significant importance to the numismatic history of the country. In the end it became a failed business venture set up as an attempt to profit from the gold mining that was happening around Victoria. (Royal Australian Mint, 2003) The Kangaroo Office was located in Melbourne and produced patterns that included the one featured on the coins in this series. In 1854 when the business turned out to be unprofitable, it was closed and the press sold to Thomas Stokes. Although the dies were thought to have been disposed of, they were discovered by Stokes in 1917.

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